Website Production and Usability for Information Professionals

Course Description

An overview of a modern web site development for aspiring information professionals with a focus on principals of usable design, and practice using HTML, CSS, and Java to build usable websites. Prerequisite: CSC 120 and LIS 300, or permission of instructor.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Demonstrate skills in basic HTML markup, and construction of CSS Style sheets through creation of basic web pages.
  • Demonstrate ability to understand basic process and technology behind posting and editing Web pages.
  • Develop clear user-centered tasks to articulate information goals.
  • Define and apply usability concepts.
  • Understand and apply standard systematic Web design and pervasive usability process.
  • Create, produce, and maintain Web pages live on the Web.
  • Conduct usability testing and evaluation.
  • Design a basic Web site information architecture
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to apply basic ADA accessibility standards to Web pages.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Assignment 1: Weekly Discussions12%
Assignment 2: Coding Exercises8%
Assignment 3: Evaluation 1 (UNCG Library Website)10%
Assignment 4: Evaluation 2 (A Library Website)10%
Assignment 5: Evaluation 3 (UNCG ILRS Website)10%
Assignment 6: Evaluation 4 (Analyzing UX a Library Website with Laws)10%
Assignment 7: Website Development20%
Assignment 8: Usability Report (A Library Website)20%

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance/participation is not a graded component included in the student's final grade for this course.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

  • The Elements of User Experience: User-Centered Design for the Web and Beyond, Garrett, J. J., 2nd Edition, Berkeley, CA: New Riders, 2010, ISBN 978-0321683687
  • Don’t Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, Krug, S., 3rd Edition, Berkeley, Calif.: New Riders, 2014

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.